Saved by Improv

Improv was a highly unlikely choice for me, not just because of my fear of being the center of attention. I am an Episcopalian: spontaneity is our natural enemy. We pride ourselves on burying our noses in the Book of Common Prayer — not for saying, off the cuff, “I just want to praise God for this” or “I just want to pray for that.”

What surprised me, when I began taking classes in improv, was that I had found not just a hobby but a powerful practice for my ministry and leadership.

There is only one universal doctrine in the improv community. It is often referred to as a rule, but it is more like a vow than a law. I would call it a rule of life, but more accurately it is a rule of play. The rule can be summed up as “yes, and.” I have never seen so much packed into two simple words.

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St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Jacksonville Florida – This Associate will share in all the privileges of ordained ministry including preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and administration. He/she will assist the Rector in coordinating all Christian formation opportunities for adult parishioners and also oversee the ministry of the Director of Children’s Ministry and Director of Youth Ministry. This Associate will work to create a coordinated youth program designed to inspire and nurture Christian faith and service. St. Mark’s is a community of faith anchored in traditional Anglican theology and liturgy as set forth in the Book of Common Prayer. With a school year ASA of ~350 and an annual budget of ~$1.5million, this neighborhood church maintains a healthy balance of long-time generational members combined with those who are new to the Jacksonville community. Inquires should include a cover letter, resume, OTM portfolio, and a list of three references and be sent to the Rev. Tom Murray at tmurray@stmarksjacksonville.org Website: https://stmarksjacksonville.org/welcome/associate-rector-search.html